Designing a garage is common to any house floor plan. It must be well planned because this huge amount of square footage cover a large footprint in the overall home design. A garage can be designed as an integral part of the floor plan or it may be a separate building (or what is called a detached garage). A carport, a garage by another name, has one or more open sides. Much the same as a enclosed garage, the carport can be a part of the house or free standing.

When planning the layout of the garage design, you want to have at least 18 inches (1'-6") of clear space on both sides of the garage door on a single car garage. With two or more garage bays, it is acceptable the have a minimum space of 1'-0" between garage doors. This allow enough room for cars door to open when it is pulled into the garage.

Garage Function

The garage is designed to provide storage and shelter for your automobile. At times it may serve other purposes in addition to sheltering your cars. If designed large enough, it can include a workshop, storage for lawn equipment, and other storage needs.

Location

A garage is part of the service area of the home. The ideal location of the garage is to have it positioned near the kitchen, mudroom, and utility room. The placement of a garage on a floor plan is dictated by the home plan site. Should the garage be on the front or back of the house? Does it need to be on the left or right side of the house? Will it be a front load, side load, or court yard garage entry? These questions must be answered in order to plan the location of the garage.

Size and Shape

The size of a garage should be determined by the number of vehicles and the additional room needed for storage and workshop space. Below are measurements that are typical of garages and carports. These dimensions are taken from outer wall to outer wall. To get the clear space measurement, subtract seven (7) inches from the width and depth.